Communion set



Nov. 15, 1938. H. c. FREETAG ET AL 2,136,915

COMMUNION SET Filed Apri125, 1936 IN VENTORS. fizz/y 6. Free/9y, flair/y I? 076/], v

ATTORNEYS.

Patented Nov. 15, 1938 COMMUNION SET Henry C. Freetag, Henry P. O Dell, and Fred W.

Smith, Kansas City, Kans.

Application April 23,

1 Claim.

This invention relates to communion sets, and the primary object of the invention is the provision of a multi-part communion set formed of wood that has been treated in a special manner so as to preclude warping.

Another object of this invention is to provide a communion set, the parts of which are formed of wood or similar fibrous material so as to eliminate noise and further, formed in a special manner so that strength is inherent in the elements of the set and ornamentation is imparted thereto.

A yet further object of this invention is to provide 'a cover for communion sets comprising a disc-shaped body tapered radially from the axis thereof and provided with a plurality of continuous, annular ribs on opposing faces for the purpose of precluding warping, splitting and otherwise breaking while the cover is in use.

A large number of minor objects are contemplated and the same will become apparent during the course of the following specification, referring to the accompanying drawing, wherein:

Figure 1 is a broken-away, top plan view of a present invention.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the same, and,

Fig. 3 is a vertical, central, cross section through the set in assembled condition.

In preparing the wood for constructing the communion set it has been found advisable to treat the same to prevent warping. If the wood is not treated, warping occurs and eventually splitting takes place and the parts of the set, therefore, become useless. In treating the wood,

the size of the piece and hardness thereof governs to a large extent the time of treatment. A saturated solution of sal soda and wood alcohol is employed when the wood being treated is walnut. A saturated solution of hot water and sal soda has been found best when such wood as white oak, red oak and ash is being prepared for the manufacture of the set. With either solution, the same is brought to a boiling point and the wood submerged therein until it softens throughout the body thereof. It has been found in some instances that two hours is a sufficient time to soak a piece of wood which has. been selected for the making of the hereinafter described cover for the communion set.

After the wood is soaked in the saturated solution of sal soda and hot water or sal soda and alcohol as the case may be, the piece is clamped in a fiat condition between the jaws of a wood communion set made in accordance with the 1936, Serial No. 76,084

press or the like and then subjected to a quick drying step which includes the placement in an oven at a temperature of 250 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately four hours. After this step the wood is allowed to remain in the clamp for at least thirty-six hours before its removal. After the wood has been so treated it should be allowed to season for approximately two weeks before it is turned and shaped into the forms illustrated herewith.

Reference to the drawing will indicate that the three parts of the set, that is, cover 4, tray 6 and base 8, are each unitary in structure. One exception is made, however, where a knob ii) is afiixed to cover 4. Base 8 has an annular, continuous groove I 2 formed in one side thereof to receive a bead l4 formed on one. side of tray ii. This interengagement of bead l4 and groove l2 precludes lateral displacement of the two parts when in the position illustrated. Tray 6 is further provided with a series of sockets 16 which receive such receptacles as are employed to carry communion wine. The upper or other side of tray 6 has an annular groove. l8 formed therein to receive bead 20 integral with cover 4 and positioned on one side thereof, which forms the inner face of the cover when it is in the operative position. This interengagement of groove 3 and bead 20 likewise fulfills the function of precluding lateral displacement of the parts.

Cover 4 is tapered radially from the axis thereof from a maximum thickness to a relatively thin edge and an intermediate rib 22 formed on the upper side of cover 4 between the center and outer edge thereof serves to strengthen the part and preclude tendency to warp. The under side of cover 4 has an inclined face which terminates against the continuous annular head 20, as shown in Fig. 3. Bead 20 and rib 22, located as mentioned and illustrated, combine and contribute toward the formation of a cover structure that will not twist or warpin spite of the relatively great diameter of the cover which must be present because. of the size desired when producing communion sets forming the subject of this invention.

Heretofore such sets have been made of metal, but the objectionable noise resulting from the use of such metallic sets has accentuated the need for a Wooden communion set of the character described. The diameter of bead 20 and bead I4 is substantially the same so that when tray 6 is not incorporated in the assembly, cover 4 may be placed directly upon base 8. Likewise, any numher of trays 6 may be stacked upon base 8 and then cover 4 used as indicated.

It is understood that many changes with respect to decorative features and specific sizes may be made without departing from the invention.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

A communion set comprising a circular, unitary base having an annular groove formed in one side thereof; a circular unitary tray having an annular bead on one side thereof for engaging in said groove of the base when the base and tray are in superimposed relation; a circular unitary cover having an annular bead on the lower side thereof engageable in the groove of said base or the groove of said tray; and a handle and an annular rib on the upper side of said cover, said cover being tapered from the axis thereof to the outer annular edge to permit a relatively thin marginal edge portion, said rib being integral with said cover to prevent warping thereof, said tray being provided with a plurality of sockets in the bottom thereof for receiving communion glasses, said annular bead on the tray serving as a support for the tray when the same is separate from the base.

HENRY C. FREETAG.

HENRY P. ODELL.

FRED W. SMITH. 

